Muslims in Ogun State under the auspices of The Muslim Congress (TMC) and Organisation of Tadhamunul-Muslimeen (OTM), have given conditions that must be met before supporting political parties and candidates requiring their votes in the 2019 general elections.
TMC Waali, Dr. Ibrahim Ogunkoya, who spoke on behalf of Muslims in the state, warned that “Muslims will no longer treat with kid gloves cases of molestation or psychological intimidation or suppression of Muslims”.
Ogunkoya spoke at an annual lecture organised by TMC held at MKO Abiola stadium, Abeokuta, entitled “Nigeria’s Stability: Religious and Leaders on Call” at the weekend.
Ogunkoya, while speaking said, “The authorities at both state and federal levels should call their officers to order in order to prevent unnecessary religious crisis that may erupt if such people continue in their wanton display of hatred for Islam its symbols. A stitch in time saves nine.
“It shows that the people have become more aware and are ready to take their destinies in their hands. Let us all acquire the political education necessary to distinguish between political jobbers and the politicians who have the interest of the nation at heart.
“The power in your thumb should be used to usher in an era of progress and development for the nation through the election of credible candidates”.
Chairman of the occasion, Prince Samsudeen Apelogun, while speaking, called on political leaders to be role model to the incoming generation.
He said, “Political leaders at all levels of government have to be model to the citizens by avoiding inciting statements that could disunite the country and plunge the country into crisis, rather they should focus their attention on those issues that will promote peaceful coexistence and unity amongst the citizens.”
“In Nigeria today, it is rather difficult to hold a public office without being affiliated to a religion. Politicians make use of the power rooted in religion, not only to achieve their aims, but also to subjugate their opponents and to legitimise their religion. It is not a secret that politicians openly advocate religious sentiments in campaigning for public support. While these political office holders misuse religion as a tool to get to power, religious leaders seize the opportunity to gain from those who hold public office.”
“To ensure political stability in the country, Nigerians should not see politics as a business but as a call to serve and to help distribute fairly the resources that are given by God. Political leaders should not see politics as a call to acquire and divert government money to one’s account, while the generality of the citizens will be languishing in abject poverty and unemployment”.
Gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, while speaking, pledged his commitment to the welfare of the people of the state.
Isiaka, who sought for the support of Muslims towards his aspiration, promised to take into consideration the demands of the Muslim communities if elected as the governor of Ogun State.
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